Mutual connection between extinction and morphology revealing the growth evolution of Janus Mn:Ag2Se–Au nanostructures

Abstract

This paper presents a mechanistic study on the synthesis of Janus Mn:Ag₂Se–Au heterogeneous nanostructures based on a step-by-step protocol. The extinction spectra and morphological observations exhibit interrelated data that elucidate the initial formation and subsequent evolution of growing Mn-doped Ag₂Se domains on Au nanoparticles. The size and morphology of the Mn:Ag₂Se–Au can be adjusted by changing the amount of AgNO₃. In addition, an excessive Se source will generate a sparse Se shell around the Janus Mn:Ag₂Se–Au. The characteristic plasmon resonance and photoluminescence attributes of Janus Mn:Ag₂Se–Au render it a promising candidate for applications in the fields of sensing and imaging.